A system and method provide an enhanced listening experience for a user and a radio receiver or other device that receives broadcast or streamed content having a plurality of program channels. The method and system buffer designated channels at the receiver and, when switching among channels, play back the buffered designated channels during reception from a selected point therein depending on the channel or other criteria. When switching to a different channel during reception, a user is able to hear content in a buffered program channel with music from the start of a song, for example, whereas content in a channel with news, talk radio, or live sports is played back from live reception, even though the content segments are transmitted a different start times relative to thier selected times for playback following a channel change. User controls allow navigation among buffered designated channels during reception.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for enhanced playback of content, the method comprising: receiving, by a computing device, a plurality of content channels via a broadcast communications channel; receiving, by the computing device, metadata indicative of a content type associated with each channel of the plurality of content channels; buffering, by the computing device, a subset of the plurality of content channels that are designated channels; receiving, by the computing device, a user input indicative of a selection of one of the designated channels; playing back content of the selected designated channel from one of: (i) a current live reception point, (ii) a start of a newest fully buffered content track, and (iii) a start of a content track currently being buffered based on the content type associated with the selected designated channel; receiving a user command to initiate a scan function; and successively playing back: a portion of an oldest buffered content track, respectively corresponding to each channel of the subset of content channels, until a portion of a currently received content track corresponding to each channel of the subset of content channels is played.
This invention relates to a method for enhanced playback of broadcast content, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and navigating multiple content channels in real-time. The method involves receiving multiple content channels via a broadcast communications channel, along with metadata indicating the content type for each channel. The system buffers a subset of these channels, designated as preferred or prioritized channels. When a user selects one of these designated channels, the system plays back content from the selected channel starting at one of three points: the current live reception point, the beginning of the newest fully buffered content track, or the beginning of the content track currently being buffered, depending on the content type. Additionally, the method includes a scan function that allows users to preview portions of buffered content from each channel in the subset, starting with the oldest buffered content and progressing to the currently received content. This approach ensures seamless navigation and playback of broadcast content while optimizing buffer management and user experience.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: prior to the buffering, identifying the designated channels based on user preferences associated with the plurality of content channels.
This invention relates to a method for managing and buffering content channels in a media streaming system. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of bandwidth and storage resources when buffering multiple content channels without considering user preferences, leading to unnecessary buffering of irrelevant content. The method involves buffering content from a plurality of content channels in a buffer memory. Before buffering, the system identifies designated channels based on user preferences associated with the available content channels. This ensures that only preferred or relevant channels are buffered, optimizing resource usage. The method also includes dynamically adjusting the buffer memory allocation for each designated channel based on the content type, such as live or on-demand, and the user's viewing habits. For live content, the buffer memory allocation is adjusted to ensure continuous playback without interruptions, while for on-demand content, the allocation is adjusted based on the user's viewing history and preferences. The system may also prioritize buffering of channels with higher user engagement or those that are frequently accessed. Additionally, the method includes monitoring the buffer memory usage and dynamically adjusting the buffer size to prevent overflow or underutilization. This adaptive buffering approach enhances the user experience by ensuring smooth playback and efficient resource management.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the playback of the selected designated channel is further based on one or more of channel type, transition of content, device configuration, a look-up table, user designation, and time of reception.
This invention relates to a method for dynamically selecting and playing back a designated channel in a media playback system. The method addresses the problem of efficiently managing and prioritizing multiple media channels or sources, ensuring seamless and context-aware playback based on various factors. The method involves selecting a designated channel from a plurality of available channels for playback on a device. The selection is influenced by one or more criteria, including the type of channel (e.g., live broadcast, on-demand, user-generated), transitions between different content segments, device-specific configurations (e.g., display settings, audio preferences), a predefined look-up table mapping channels to playback conditions, explicit user designations, and the time at which the content is received. These factors allow the system to adapt playback behavior dynamically, optimizing user experience by aligning content delivery with contextual and user-defined preferences. For example, the system may prioritize a live sports channel during a scheduled game while suppressing other channels, or it may switch to a user-designated channel based on a predefined schedule. The method ensures that playback decisions are made in real-time, enhancing flexibility and personalization in media consumption. The approach is particularly useful in environments where multiple channels compete for attention, such as smart TVs, streaming platforms, or multi-source media players.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the playback from the current live reception point is caused based on the content type corresponding to time sensitive content.
This invention relates to a method for optimizing media playback in a live streaming system, particularly for time-sensitive content. The method addresses the challenge of ensuring seamless playback of live streams by dynamically adjusting playback points based on content type. When the content is identified as time-sensitive (e.g., live sports, news, or events where real-time delivery is critical), the system prioritizes playback from the current live reception point rather than buffering or delaying playback. This ensures minimal latency and maintains synchronization with the live broadcast. The method may involve analyzing metadata or content tags to determine time sensitivity, then triggering playback adjustments accordingly. By dynamically responding to content type, the system improves user experience for live events while maintaining efficiency for non-time-sensitive content. The invention enhances streaming reliability and reduces buffering delays for critical live content.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the playback from the start of the newest fully buffered content track is caused based on the content type corresponding to audio programs.
This invention relates to media playback systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and playing back buffered content tracks, particularly audio programs. The method involves detecting when a content track is fully buffered in a media playback system and automatically initiating playback from the start of the newest fully buffered track. The system identifies the content type of the track, and if it corresponds to audio programs, playback is triggered. This ensures that users receive uninterrupted and timely playback of the most recent buffered audio content, improving user experience by reducing delays and ensuring the latest content is prioritized. The method may also include determining the buffering status of multiple tracks and selecting the newest fully buffered track for playback, enhancing efficiency in media playback systems. The system may further adjust playback parameters based on the content type to optimize performance for audio programs. This approach is particularly useful in streaming or on-demand media systems where buffering and playback synchronization are critical.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the broadcast communications channel corresponds to a satellite broadcast channel.
A system and method for optimizing data transmission in a satellite broadcast network addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing data to multiple receivers while minimizing bandwidth usage and latency. The invention involves a satellite broadcast channel that transmits data packets to a plurality of receivers, where each receiver is capable of receiving and processing the broadcast data. The system includes a transmitter that encodes and modulates the data for satellite transmission, and receivers that demodulate and decode the received signals. The method further includes techniques for error correction, synchronization, and dynamic bandwidth allocation to ensure reliable and efficient data delivery. The satellite broadcast channel may operate in various frequency bands, such as C-band, Ku-band, or Ka-band, depending on the specific application and regulatory requirements. The system may also incorporate adaptive modulation and coding schemes to optimize performance under varying channel conditions. Additionally, the invention may include mechanisms for managing multiple data streams, prioritizing traffic, and handling retransmissions to enhance overall system efficiency. The solution is particularly useful in applications requiring wide-area coverage, such as direct-to-home television, satellite internet, or emergency communication systems.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a second user input indicative of a channel change request; playing back content associated with a different channel of the plurality of content channels based on the channel change request; receiving a return command indicative of a third user request to playback content associated with the selected designated channel; and playing back content of the selected designated channel based on predetermined return configuration data.
This invention relates to a system for managing content playback on a media device, particularly for handling channel changes and returning to a previously selected channel. The problem addressed is the inconvenience of manually navigating back to a previously viewed channel after changing channels, which disrupts the user experience. The system receives a user input indicating a request to change to a different channel from a plurality of available channels. The media device then plays back content from the newly selected channel. If the user later requests to return to the original channel, the system retrieves predetermined return configuration data, which defines how the return should be handled. Based on this data, the system automatically resumes playback of the original channel, ensuring a seamless transition back without requiring the user to manually select it again. The return configuration data may include settings such as the exact channel to return to, the playback position, or any other relevant parameters to restore the previous viewing state. This method enhances user convenience by automating the return process, reducing the need for repetitive manual inputs and improving the overall media playback experience. The system is particularly useful in environments where users frequently switch between channels and need to quickly revert to a previously viewed channel.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the metadata is further indicative of specifications of a receiver device that are required for displaying information related to additional subsets of the plurality of content channels.
This invention relates to content delivery systems, specifically methods for managing and displaying metadata associated with multiple content channels. The problem addressed is the efficient organization and presentation of channel information to ensure compatibility with different receiver devices. The method involves generating metadata that includes specifications required by receiver devices to display information about additional subsets of content channels. This metadata ensures that only compatible channels are presented to a user based on the capabilities of their device, improving user experience and reducing unnecessary data transmission. The metadata may include technical parameters such as resolution, codec support, or display format, allowing the system to filter and deliver only relevant channel information. The method dynamically adjusts the displayed content based on real-time device specifications, ensuring seamless integration across various devices. This approach optimizes bandwidth usage and enhances accessibility by tailoring content delivery to the specific requirements of each receiver device. The system may also prioritize channels based on user preferences or historical data, further refining the selection process. By dynamically adapting to device capabilities, the method ensures that users receive the most relevant and compatible content without manual intervention.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the metadata is further indicative of priorities related to the additional subsets of the plurality of content channels.
A system and method for managing and prioritizing content channels in a data processing environment. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and accessing large volumes of content from multiple channels, particularly in scenarios where content must be filtered, prioritized, or distributed based on specific criteria. The method involves analyzing metadata associated with content channels to categorize them into subsets, where each subset is defined by distinct metadata attributes. These subsets are then processed to extract additional subsets based on further metadata analysis, allowing for a hierarchical or multi-tiered organization of content channels. The metadata also includes priority indicators, which determine the relative importance or relevance of each subset of content channels. This prioritization enables dynamic filtering, routing, or presentation of content based on predefined or real-time priorities, improving efficiency in content management systems, recommendation engines, or data distribution networks. The method ensures that content is processed and delivered in an optimized manner, reducing redundancy and enhancing user experience by focusing on high-priority channels. The invention is applicable in fields such as media streaming, enterprise data management, and automated content curation.
10. A system for enhanced playback of content, the system comprising: a broadcast device; and a computing device configured to: receive, from the broadcast device, a plurality of content channels; receive metadata indicative of a content type associated with each channel of the plurality of content channels; buffer a subset of the plurality of content channels that are designated channels; receive a user input indicative of a selection of one of the designated channels; playback, based on the content type associated with the selected designated channel, content of the selected designated channel from one of (i) a current live reception point, (ii) a start of a newest fully buffered content track, and (iii) a start of a content track currently being buffered; receive a user command to initiate a scan function; and successively playback: a portion of an oldest buffered content track, respectively corresponding to each channel of the subset of content channels, until a portion of a currently received content track corresponding to each channel of the subset of content channels is played.
This system enhances content playback by dynamically managing multiple broadcast channels. The system includes a broadcast device and a computing device that receives multiple content channels and their associated metadata, which identifies the content type for each channel. The computing device buffers a subset of these channels, designated as preferred channels. When a user selects one of these designated channels, the system plays content from the selected channel starting at one of three points: the current live reception point, the start of the newest fully buffered content track, or the start of the content track currently being buffered, depending on the content type. The system also supports a scan function, allowing users to preview portions of buffered content from each channel in the subset, starting with the oldest buffered content and progressing to the currently received content. This ensures users can efficiently navigate and preview multiple channels without missing live content. The system optimizes playback by intelligently selecting playback points based on content type and buffering status, improving user experience in live broadcast environments.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the computing device is further configured to: identify the designated channels based on user preferences associated with the plurality of content channels.
A system for content channel management and user engagement enhancement is described. The system addresses the problem of users struggling to discover and access relevant content channels across multiple platforms, leading to inefficient content consumption and reduced user satisfaction. The system includes a computing device that processes user interaction data to determine engagement metrics for a plurality of content channels. These metrics are used to rank the channels based on user engagement, and the computing device generates a prioritized list of channels for display to the user. The system further allows users to designate specific channels for prioritized access, and the computing device identifies these designated channels based on user preferences associated with the content channels. The system dynamically adjusts the prioritized list in response to changes in user interaction data, ensuring that the most relevant and engaging channels are consistently presented to the user. This improves content discovery and user engagement by tailoring channel recommendations to individual preferences and behavior patterns. The system may also integrate with external data sources to enhance channel ranking accuracy and relevance.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the playback of the selected designated channel is further based on one or more of channel type, transition of content, device configuration, a look-up table, user designation, and time of reception.
This invention relates to a system for managing and playing back designated channels in a media playback environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently selecting and transitioning between multiple media channels based on various dynamic factors, ensuring seamless and user-customizable playback experiences. The system includes a media playback device configured to receive and process multiple media channels, each containing different types of content such as video, audio, or data streams. A selection module within the system determines which channel to play based on predefined criteria, including channel type, content transitions, device configuration, and user preferences. The system may also use a look-up table to map specific conditions to channel selections, allowing for automated adjustments. Additionally, the system can prioritize channels based on user-designated preferences or the time of reception, ensuring that the most relevant content is displayed at the appropriate moment. The system further includes a transition module that manages smooth switches between channels, minimizing disruptions during playback. This module may adjust playback parameters, such as volume or display settings, to enhance the user experience. The system can also adapt to device configurations, such as screen size or audio output capabilities, to optimize content delivery. By integrating these features, the system provides a flexible and intelligent media playback solution that adapts to both user needs and environmental conditions.
13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the playback from the current live reception point is caused based on the content type corresponding to time sensitive content.
A system for managing media playback in a live streaming environment addresses the challenge of efficiently delivering time-sensitive content to users. The system monitors the current live reception point of a media stream and dynamically adjusts playback based on the content type. For time-sensitive content, such as live sports or breaking news, the system ensures playback starts from the current live reception point to minimize latency and provide real-time viewing. This approach prevents users from missing critical moments by avoiding playback from earlier points in the stream. The system integrates with a media server that processes and distributes the stream, while a client device receives and renders the content. The client device includes a playback controller that determines the appropriate playback position based on metadata indicating the content type. If the content is time-sensitive, the playback controller initiates playback from the live reception point, ensuring users experience the content as it occurs. This solution enhances user experience by prioritizing real-time delivery for time-critical content while maintaining flexibility for non-time-sensitive material.
14. The system of claim 10 , wherein the playback from the start of the newest fully buffered content track is caused based on the content type corresponding to audio programs.
This invention relates to a media playback system designed to optimize content delivery and playback, particularly for audio programs. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring seamless playback of media content, especially when network conditions or buffering delays might disrupt the user experience. The core functionality involves dynamically managing content tracks to minimize interruptions during playback. The system includes a content buffer that stores multiple content tracks, each representing a segment of media content. The buffer is configured to prioritize the newest fully buffered content track, ensuring that the most recent and complete segment is always available for immediate playback. This approach helps mitigate delays caused by incomplete buffering of subsequent tracks. For audio programs, the system triggers playback from the start of the newest fully buffered content track. This ensures that users experience uninterrupted audio playback, even if earlier tracks are still buffering. The system may also include a content type detector to identify the type of media being played back, allowing it to apply specific playback rules based on the content type. For example, audio programs may require different buffering and playback strategies compared to video content. Additionally, the system may include a buffer management module that monitors buffer levels and adjusts playback parameters to maintain smooth operation. This module may also handle track transitions, ensuring that playback switches seamlessly from one track to the next without noticeable gaps. The overall design aims to provide a robust and adaptive media playback experience, particularly for audio content, by leveraging intelligent buffering and playback control mechanisms.
15. The system of claim 10 , wherein the broadcast communications channel corresponds to a satellite broadcast channel.
A system for managing communications in a network environment addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing data to multiple devices while minimizing bandwidth and resource usage. The system includes a central server that transmits data to a plurality of client devices over a broadcast communications channel, which is optimized for one-to-many distribution. The broadcast channel ensures that data is sent once and received by all intended devices, reducing redundant transmissions and conserving network resources. The system further includes a feedback mechanism where client devices acknowledge receipt of data, allowing the server to track delivery status and retransmit data if necessary. Additionally, the system supports dynamic adjustments to the broadcast channel based on network conditions, ensuring reliable and efficient data delivery. In this specific implementation, the broadcast communications channel is a satellite broadcast channel, which leverages satellite networks for wide-area coverage and high-capacity data distribution. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where terrestrial networks are limited or unavailable, such as remote or mobile environments. The system ensures that data is transmitted securely and efficiently, with mechanisms to handle errors and ensure data integrity.
16. The method of claim 10 , wherein the computing device is further configured to: receive a second user input indicative of a channel change request; playback content associated with a different channel of the plurality of content channels based on the channel change request; receive a return command indicative of a third user request to playback content associated with the selected designated channel; and playback content of the selected designated channel based on predetermined return configuration data.
This invention relates to a method for managing content playback on a computing device, particularly in a system where multiple content channels are available. The problem addressed is the need for efficient channel navigation and quick return to a previously selected channel without manual re-selection. The method involves a computing device configured to receive a first user input selecting a designated channel from a plurality of content channels. The device then plays back content from the selected channel. Upon receiving a second user input indicating a channel change request, the device switches to and plays back content from a different channel. If a return command is received, the device resumes playback of the originally selected designated channel based on predetermined return configuration data. This configuration data may include settings that define how the return function operates, such as whether it immediately resumes playback or requires additional confirmation. The method ensures seamless navigation between channels while allowing users to quickly revert to their preferred content without repetitive manual selection. The return configuration data can be customized to enhance user experience, such as by prioritizing certain channels or adjusting playback behavior. This approach is particularly useful in environments where users frequently switch between channels but need a reliable way to return to their primary selection.
17. The system of claim 10 , wherein the metadata is further indicative of specifications of a receiver device that are required for displaying information related to additional subsets of the plurality of content channels.
This invention relates to a system for managing and displaying content channels, particularly in environments where multiple content channels are available but not all can be displayed simultaneously. The problem addressed is the efficient organization and presentation of content channels based on device capabilities and user preferences, ensuring that only relevant or compatible content is displayed. The system includes a processor and memory storing instructions for categorizing content channels into subsets based on metadata. This metadata includes specifications of a receiver device, such as display capabilities, processing power, or supported formats, which determine whether the device can properly display information related to certain content channels. The system dynamically filters and presents only those content channels that match the device's specifications, improving user experience by avoiding incompatible or irrelevant content. Additionally, the system may further refine the displayed content based on additional metadata, such as user preferences or contextual data, to ensure the most relevant channels are prioritized. This ensures that the receiver device only processes and displays content it can handle, optimizing performance and resource usage. The system may also update the metadata in real-time as device capabilities or content availability changes, maintaining accuracy and relevance.
18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the metadata is further indicative of priorities related to the additional subsets of the plurality of content channels.
A system for managing and prioritizing content channels in a media distribution network addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and delivering diverse content streams to users. The system categorizes content into multiple subsets based on predefined criteria, such as user preferences, content type, or distribution requirements. Each subset is assigned metadata that includes priority indicators, ensuring that higher-priority content is processed, transmitted, or displayed before lower-priority content. This prioritization helps optimize bandwidth usage, reduce latency, and enhance user experience by delivering the most relevant content first. The metadata may also include additional attributes such as content relevance, urgency, or user-specific preferences, allowing for dynamic adjustments in content delivery. The system dynamically updates priorities based on real-time data, ensuring adaptability to changing user demands or network conditions. By integrating priority metadata into the content management process, the system enables efficient resource allocation and improves the overall performance of media distribution networks.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
April 29, 2019
April 12, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.